Spinel type zinc aluminates prepared through the methods of microwave-assisted solvothermal and non-conventional coprecipitation were used as platinum catalyst supports in this study. Structure of the catalysts containing 0.5, 1 and 3 wt.% Pt was characterized by means of XRD, EDS, HRTEM, N-2 adsorption-desorption at -196 degrees C and H-2 chemisorption. Catalytic activity was tested in the reaction of iso-butane total oxidation. Prepared samples possessed desired properties for application as platinum support for catalytic combustion of VOC. All samples exhibited nanocrystallinity with well defined spinel structure, high surface area (S-BET > 100 m(2)/g) and mesoporosity, very good metal dispersion (up to 96%) and good catalytic activity in iso-butane combustion with thermal stability. VOCs being one of the main pollutants of the air are an environmental problem so their destroying by using effective catalytic combustion is very attractive. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier B.V.